Updated 1:50 p.m. Dec. 9

The Republican Party in Illinois has asked for Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign.

Illinois Rep. David Reis, R-Olney, said House Minority Leader Tom Cross issued a press release and notified the Governor’s Office of the party’s demand.

Reis said if Blagojevich turns down the resignation, the party would ask House Speaker Michael Madigan to start a committee to investigate the feasibility of impeachment proceedings.

The FBI arrested Blagojevich and John Harris, Blagojevich’s chief of staff, early this morning for alleged corruption charges, including trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s now vacant U.S. Senate seat.

To read continuing coverage from the Chicago Tribune, click here.

To read the 76-page criminal complaint issued by the FBI, visit the State-Journal Register by clicking here.